Question
A semi truck and a smart car have the same kinetic energy. Explain how this could be possible.
Answers
GPT 3.5
The kinetic energy of an object is determined by its mass and velocity, according to the equation: KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where KE is kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity.
In this scenario, it is possible for a semi-truck and a smart car to have the same kinetic energy if the smart car is traveling at a much higher velocity compared to the semi-truck, compensating for its lower mass.
For example, if the semi-truck has a very high mass but is traveling at a low velocity, while the smart car has a much lower mass but is traveling at a very high velocity, the kinetic energy of both vehicles could be equal.
This shows that kinetic energy is not solely dependent on mass, but also on velocity. In this case, the higher velocity of the smart car can compensate for its lower mass and result in the same kinetic energy as the semi-truck.
In this scenario, it is possible for a semi-truck and a smart car to have the same kinetic energy if the smart car is traveling at a much higher velocity compared to the semi-truck, compensating for its lower mass.
For example, if the semi-truck has a very high mass but is traveling at a low velocity, while the smart car has a much lower mass but is traveling at a very high velocity, the kinetic energy of both vehicles could be equal.
This shows that kinetic energy is not solely dependent on mass, but also on velocity. In this case, the higher velocity of the smart car can compensate for its lower mass and result in the same kinetic energy as the semi-truck.